Popular Choice
Laser Eye Surgery in London
Limited time offer
Starting from
£1100 per eye (previously £1500 per eye)
Who Is Laser Eye Surgery For?
Laser eye surgery corrects common refractive errors by reshaping the cornea so light focuses accurately on the retina. This results in sharper vision and reduced reliance on corrective lenses.
You may experience symptoms such as: Blurry distance or near vision, headaches, eye strain, difficulty reading or driving, or constant lens wear.
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
What is it? Myopia causes blurry distance vision, while close-up vision remains clearer.
What’s happening in the eye: The eye is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina.
Common symptoms:
- Difficulty seeing far objects
- Squinting to read signs
- Poor night vision
- Eye fatigue when focusing
Why it matters: Untreated myopia can worsen over time and increase dependence on glasses or contacts.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
What is it? Hyperopia leads to difficulty focusing on near tasks like reading or screen use.
What’s happening in the eye: The eye is too short or the cornea too flat, so light focuses behind the retina.
Common symptoms:
- Blurry near vision
- Eye strain during reading
- Headaches
- Fatigue when using devices
Why it matters: Uncorrected hyperopia can impact work, reading, and daily comfort.
Astigmatism
What is it? Astigmatism occurs when the eye’s surface is irregularly shaped, distorting vision.
What’s happening in the eye: The cornea has an uneven curvature, preventing light from focusing evenly.
Common symptoms:
- Blurred or shadowed vision
- Trouble with night vision
- Eye strain or headaches
- Distorted reading clarity
Why it matters: Laser correction can smooth out the cornea for clear, balanced sight.
Presbyopia
What is it? Presbyopia is the age-related loss of near vision, typically starting in the 40s.
What’s happening in the eye: The lens loses flexibility, making it harder to focus on close objects.
Common symptoms:
- Needing reading glasses
- Holding text farther away
- Blurry near tasks
- Eye fatigue when reading
Why it matters: Blended vision laser treatments can help reduce reliance on reading glasses.
Does This Sound Like You?
If you’re unsure whether laser eye surgery is right for you, consider the following:
- You rely on glasses or contacts daily and want more freedom
- You’ve been told you have a stable prescription
- You experience eye strain or dry eyes with lenses
- You’re frustrated by bifocals or varifocals
- You avoid activities like swimming or travel due to vision limits
Download The Laser Vision Correction Information Pack
Years helping people see better
Patients treated
Years of experience for our lead surgeon
Types Of Treatment
We offer a range of laser treatments based on your prescription, age, and eye health.
Ineligible for Laser Eye Surgery? Consider ICL
Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICLs) are an advanced alternative for patients who aren’t suitable for laser procedures like LASIK due to high prescriptions or thin corneas. ICLs are soft, biocompatible lenses placed between the iris and your natural lens, correcting vision without reshaping the cornea. This minimally invasive, reversible treatment provides crisp, high-definition vision and is particularly effective for high myopia, even up to -20 diopters. With fast recovery and long-term comfort, ICL surgery is a powerful option for those seeking safe, lasting results.
Which Treatment Is Right For You?
| Criteria | LASIK | PRK |
|---|---|---|
| Stable prescription for 12+ months | ✅ | ✅ |
| Corneal thickness suitable for flap creation | ✅ | ❌ |
| Mild to moderate myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism | ✅ | ✅ |
| Active lifestyle and quick recovery preferred | ✅ | ❌ |
| Prone to dry eye or thin corneas | ❌ | ✅ |
International Patients
If you live outside the UK and are considering Laser Eye Surgery, our international booking team are happy to assist
Our team of laser surgeons are multilingual, experienced in working with patient short on time and through their vast network of international colleagues, keeping an eye on your follow up has never been easier.
How Much Does Laser Surgery Cost?
We offer transparent, all-inclusive pricing with no hidden extras. After a full consultation, you’ll receive a detailed quote tailored to your eyes and the type of treatment recommended.
Complimentary
Eligibility
Assessment
From
£1,100
Per Eye
Limited Time Offer
Flexible
Installments
0% Interest
Laser Eye Surgery FAQs
Information and guidance from the consultant surgeons at The Harley Street Eye Centre.
These FAQs are designed to give clear, balanced explanations about laser eye surgery, the conditions it treats, and what patients typically experience. The aim is to help you make an informed decision with realistic expectations and a good understanding of the process.
Understanding the Procedure
What is laser eye surgery and how does it work?
Laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea so that light can focus accurately on the retina, improving vision without glasses or contact lenses. Modern femtosecond and excimer lasers allow this to be done with a high level of precision.
At our centre, treatment planning is guided by detailed diagnostic imaging, ensuring the approach is tailored to the specific measurements and characteristics of each eye.
Am I a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery?
You may be suitable if your prescription is stable and your eyes are otherwise healthy. Suitability is assessed using several advanced tests, including corneal mapping, tear-film evaluation, and prescription analysis.
It is not uncommon for patients who have been declined elsewhere to be eligible after more thorough assessment, but every case is considered individually and with caution.
Does laser eye surgery hurt?
Anaesthetic eye drops are used to ensure comfort during the procedure. Most people describe feeling pressure rather than pain. Afterwards, it is normal to experience mild grittiness, watering, or light sensitivity for a short period, depending on the technique used.
How long does the procedure take?
The laser portion of the procedure takes only seconds, and the total time in the treatment room is usually around 10 minutes.
The overall appointment is efficient, though you should allow time for preparation and initial post-treatment checks.
Conditions & Outcomes
What vision issues can laser eye surgery correct?
Laser treatments are effective for:
- short-sightedness (myopia)
- long-sightedness (hyperopia)
- astigmatism
Some techniques may also offer benefits for early presbyopia. Recommendations vary depending on age, prescription, and lifestyle needs.
What is the recovery like?
Most patients notice clearer vision within 24–48 hours after LASIK or SMILE.
Surface procedures like PRK/LASEK take longer to settle.
Vision continues to refine over several weeks. Regular follow-up allows us to monitor healing and ensure steady progress
Is laser eye surgery safe?
When performed with modern technology and careful patient selection, laser eye surgery has a strong safety profile.
As with any medical procedure, risks exist, but these are uncommon and mitigated through thorough assessment, precise planning, and experienced surgical care.
What side effects should I be aware of?
Temporary dryness, glare, halos, or fluctuating vision are not unusual in the early healing stages and generally improve as the eyes recover.
More significant complications are rare but are discussed in detail during your consultation so that you can make an informed decision.
Longevity & Age-Related Considerations
How long do results last?
If you are under 40, reading glasses are unlikely to be needed immediately after laser surgery.
From your mid-40s onwards, the eye’s natural lens becomes less flexible, which affects near vision. Options to address this can be discussed if maintaining near-vision independence is important to you.
Will I still need reading glasses?
Most patients notice clearer vision within 24–48 hours after LASIK or SMILE.
Surface procedures like PRK/LASEK take longer to settle.
Vision continues to refine over several weeks. Regular follow-up allows us to monitor healing and ensure steady progress
Can I have laser eye surgery if I have dry eyes?
Mild dry eye is common and doesn’t automatically rule out suitability. The key is to identify the cause and treat it beforehand.
We perform detailed assessments of the tear film and eyelid health, and can recommend appropriate treatment to optimise conditions prior to surgery.
Treatment Options & Alternatives
How do LASIK, PRK/LASEK, and SMILE differ?
- LASIK: Fastest recovery, minimal discomfort.
- PRK/LASEK: No corneal flap; useful for thinner corneas.
- SMILE: Keyhole approach with a small incision and typically reduced dry-eye symptoms.
Your surgeon will advise on the technique that best aligns with your eye structure and visual goals.
How much does laser eye surgery cost?
Costs typically range from £1,500–£2,500 per eye, depending on the technique and complexity of the case.
Pricing includes pre-operative assessment, the procedure, and aftercare. During your consultation, a clear cost breakdown is provided so you know exactly what to expect.
Can high prescriptions be treated?
Higher levels of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism can often be treated safely with modern technology, but this depends on the thickness and shape of the cornea.
If laser surgery is not the best option, alternatives such as implantable contact lenses (ICLs) or lens replacement may be more appropriate.
Care & Professional Standards
What distinguishes The Harley Street Eye Centre’s approach?
Our centre is consultant-led, meaning your assessment, treatment planning, and surgery are carried out by experienced ophthalmic surgeons specialising in refractive care.
We take a measured, evidence-based approach, focusing on what is safest and most suitable for each individual.
Patients can expect clear explanations, a thorough evaluation, and a structured follow-up process designed to support a smooth and predictable recovery.
Next Step
If you are considering laser eye surgery and would like to understand your suitability, you can arrange a consultation with one of our refractive surgeons. This appointment includes a full diagnostic assessment and a discussion of the most appropriate options for your eyes.
Your Patient Journey
At Harley Street Eye Centre in London, your care is consultant-led and tailored to your vision, lifestyle and goals. From first enquiry through consultation, diagnosis and treatment, we explain every step in plain language and agree a plan together. Our clinic at 22a Harley Street combines advanced diagnostics and modern laser/surgical technology with clear aftercare and long-term monitoring where needed (e.g., keratoconus, glaucoma, retina). Use the tabs to see what happens at each stage — from booking to recovery — and what to expect on the day. When you’re ready, book a consultation or call our team.
We’re here to listen first. Tell us what’s bothering you, how it affects your day, and what you’d like to achieve. Our team will guide you to the most suitable consultant and appointment type at Harley Street Eye Centre.
- Share your symptoms, history and goals
- Quick suitability check for key treatments
- Advice on records to bring (glasses Rx, letters, scans)
- Appointment scheduled at a convenient time
- Clear confirmation with directions and next steps
We’re excited to see you at your appointment. Ask us anything — about treatments, the clinic, timings or fees. Our goal is to help you regain your independence and live life free from visual limitations.
- Discuss your eye health goals and lifestyle needs
- Full eye examination by a consultant ophthalmologist
- Vision testing and treatment eligibility assessment
- Diagnostic scans if required (e.g., OCT, topography, biometry)
- Start a personalised treatment plan and timeline
After reviewing your results, your consultant explains the findings in plain language and outlines safe, evidence-based options. You’ll make an informed decision together.
- Clear explanation of your diagnosis and prognosis
- Side-by-side comparison of suitable treatments (incl. non-surgical)
- Benefits, risks and expected recovery times discussed
- Transparent pricing and payment options explainedWritten summary of the agreed plan
You’ll be welcomed by our clinical team, who will conduct final checks and ensure your comfort throughout. Most procedures are quick with minimal downtime.
- Arrival, consent review and last-minute questions answered
- Pre-op measurements confirmed; anaesthetic drops if needed
- Consultant-delivered procedure using modern technology
- Immediate post-op checks and tailored aftercare instructions
- Safe journey-home guidance and contact details for support
Good outcomes rely on good aftercare. We’ll review your progress, fine-tune any medications as needed, and be available to provide advice if you require it between visits.
- Scheduled follow-ups to monitor healing and vision
- Symptom checklist and when to get in touch
- Medication/use of drops reviewed and adjusted
- Activity guidance (work, driving, exercise, screen time)
- Direct access to our team for reassurance and queries